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Member Responsibilities and Activities

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Contact

Laura Denbow
Sr. Director, Office of Volunteer Programs
607-254-7253
laura.denbow@cornell.edu

What does membership entail?

Council membership provides the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for Cornell by staying well-informed about its current and future initiatives; expanding contacts with leading alumni, faculty, and staff; and exchanging information between the university and the communities represented by its members.

Election to the Council recognizes active leadership roles taken on behalf of Cornell or in one's profession or community. Membership on the Council is also a way of honoring individuals who have given time, energy, expertise, and resources to the university. Acceptance of membership implies agreement to universally support, promote, and recruit for Cornell as an informed ambassador.

Terms

Members serve a four-year term, which starts on July 1. A two-year break at the conclusion of each term is mandatory. At the conclusion of the break former members are automatically considered, along with all new nominees, for another four-year term. One may serve an indefinite number of terms, each separated by a mandatory two-year break.

Responsibilities

A Council member agrees to meet the following responsibilities to the best of his/her ability:

  • Remain informed about Cornell's strengths, programs, challenges, and successes by attending the Council's joint annual meeting with the trustees
  • Serve as an ambassador to help Cornell communicate with its primary constituencies and with the general public
  • Be prepared to serve on Council committees
  • Volunteer services on ad hoc committees or as a consultant wherever one's contributions would be valuable to Cornell
  • Attend and support local Cornell activities whenever possible, and bring new ideas and concepts to the attention of the Cornell community
  • Support, join, or take leadership roles in one or more structured Cornell activities
  • Make an annual financial contribution to Cornell at a level appropriate to one's circumstances
  • Identify and nominate other Cornell leaders to the Council

Service

Council members may serve the university in a number of ways. First, it is most important to continue to provide leadership in the types of activities that were the basis for election. Other opportunities for service are available at http://www.alumni.cornell.edu/volunteer/ or from the following organizations: